Tag: games 2013

Tommy Rees looked outstanding going 16 for 23 for 346 yards including some very nice long passes to Daniels and Niklas for TD’s. TJ Jones had an outstanding game – he is the real deal. Kudos to the OL for pass blocking, but need more production in the running game – we also need an inside runner.

Carlisle looks very sharp and quick with some exciting runs and he will be great running outside but is just too small to pound it. Unfortunately, George Atkinson is just not a running back. Cam McDaniel should start and Bryant and Folston will grab this position as the season continues.

I was impressed with the tenacity and no quit of Temple – they held ND to just 1 second half touchdown. They also had some extended drives and ate up the clock – had a lot of dropped passes. I was particularly impressed with their Center, think the kid named Friend. Although he had help, many times he handled Nix one on one and the same with Kona Schwenke.

The ND defense really needs a lot of work. Tuitt had one sack and was a non factor throughout the rest of the game – he needs a serious dose of effort.

Big Lou Nix just looked like a Big Fat Guy. Both of these 2 fell way far short of pre-season accolades and certainly did not play like All Americans. ILB’s were a disappointment but I did like what I saw of Jarret Grace–he’ll start before too long.

Temple’s score a 2 yard run for a TD was just too easy.

So what did we learn? We have a lot of work to do if we are going to be even competitive with Michigan.

Also, I really don’t like a defensive philosophy to let an opponent go up and down the field between the 20’s and rely on the defense to stop a TD but give up or hope for a missed FG. Way to much time off the clock and I did not see a smothering defense in this game.

Final Stats: ND 543 yards Temple 362 yards – way too much to yield to this over-matched opponent. ND playing down to the competition again.

Other notes:

10 Freshmen played in the opener.

Kelly gets new 5 year contract to 2017 which puts him 2 shy of the 10 year burnout for most previous coaches.

Notre Dame rolls right from the start and this game is basically over in the 1st quarter. Temple is just not big or talented enough to give ND a game. Let’s see how determined this team really is seeking some kind of redemption after the embarrassment by Alabama.

• Tune up game as does Michigan playing some directional school.
• Rees impresses as does both TE’s Niklas and Koyack.
• Looking for 5 TD’s and 3 FG’s.
• Notre Dame 44 Temple 0.